In a recent government meeting, discussions centered around the future of Old Town Goleta, with contrasting views on its revitalization and safety concerns. Stuart Kazdin expressed a desire for Old Town to evolve into a more outdoor mall-like environment. However, Councilman Richards raised alarms about pedestrian safety, advocating for the narrowing of five-lane roads that currently pose challenges for walkers and cyclists.

The conversation highlighted a perceived disconnect between the need for revitalization and the actual conditions in Old Town, where only two vacancies were reported. In contrast, nearby CaliRail has seven vacancies, including larger spaces previously occupied by businesses like FedEx and Denny's. Critics questioned the rationale behind focusing on Old Town's issues when studies indicated more pressing safety concerns on other roads, such as Calle Real, which has been identified as hazardous.

Data presented during the meeting revealed that while Old Town has seen 42 accidents at a problematic intersection, Fairview, which is not slated for changes, recorded 58 accidents. Furthermore, from 2005 to 2021, Old Town reported zero pedestrian fatalities, while the Calle Real strip experienced one fatality during the same period.

The discussions raised questions about the allocation of resources and whether the push for changes in Old Town is addressing a genuine problem or diverting attention from more dangerous areas in Goleta. As the meeting concluded, the community remains divided on the best path forward for Old Town's development and safety measures.